John “Jack” Warren Staege

John “Jack” Warren Staege, age 99, passed away at his home on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2022. He was a proud WWII Veteran.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 18, 2022 at Christ The King Catholic Church in Spencer. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church on Friday.  Burial will take place in the West Spencer Cemetery.  Stratford VFW Post 6352  will conduct Military Honors.       

Jack was born August 22, 1923, in Lindsey, Wisconsin to the late Lester “Sy” and Alice (Brost) Staege.  Jack grew up in Babcock, graduating from Alexander High School in Nekoosa.  He was then inducted into the U.S. Army serving two and a half years in the European Theater.

On April 30, 1949, Jack married Dorothy L. Olson in Wisconsin Rapids. They raised their family in Wisconsin Rapids, Junction City, and Spencer. Jack worked for the Soo Line Railroad for 42 years retiring in 1986 as the Marshfield Supervisory Agent.

Jack loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was active on the Spencer Village Board as President and trustee.  He was a proud lifetime member of the Spencer Lions Club.  Jack was a charter member of the Beaver Creek Hunting Club, serving as President for 41 years.  Jack, Dorothy, and family built the cottage, Sunny Hollow, which has become his family legacy in the northwoods for generations to come.  With his special friend Barbara, Jack enjoyed a good gin martini, polka fests, road trips, playing cards, and wintering in Panama City Beach, Florida.  In his younger years he was an avid fisherman, duck and deer hunter with his faithful dog, Lady.  

He is survived by his children Pamela (Robert) Draves of Menomonie, Wisconsin, and Patrick (Lois) Staege of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Grandchildren Timothy Staege, Katherine Staege, Rebecca (Reed) Savka, Christine (Jeff) Roering, Elizabeth (Tyler) Wickesberg and great-grandchildren Jackson, Avery, Owen, Evelyn, Reed Elliot, Lillian, and  Ava. Also, special friend and caregiver Barbara Steffenhagen. Brothers Earl and Paul (Gail), sisters Jean Kirst and Donna Scheunemann, sisters-in-law Barbara Knudsen and Margaret Evans. And all the Grand-Dogs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 1992 and his daughter Debra Abel earlier this year. His brothers Dale (WWII-KIA) and Milton (Bonnie); sisters-in-law Verna (Bob) and Karen; brothers-in-law Carl, Neil, Jim (Carol) and Richard (Gerda).

Jack's family cannot thank Barbara enough for the love, care, compassion, and wonderful memories. 

Friends may call at Christ the King Catholic Church 107 Wendell St., Spencer.

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